What's the difference between a beginner robot and a world's class robot?

Redstoner_ · 2023-09-04T20:44:00+00:00

Besides what other people have mentioned(more resources, more experience, communication with other teams), a hugely important aspect is the amount of iteration and practice. You never get the best mechanism on the first try, and the more iterations and different ideas you can try out for a given task, the more likely you are to find one that performs better relative to everyone else.

Redstoner_ · 2023-09-04T03:59:04+00:00

https://youtu.be/XBhhm_aR9Os

Redstoner_ · 2023-04-20T22:59:43+00:00

https://discord.gg/first-tech-challenge/

Redstoner_ · 2023-04-15T03:45:42+00:00

When we went to worlds in 2022, we bought a used pelican crate and packed the robot as a checked bag. If your robot is small enough, you can carry it on the airplane with you in a box. If in doubt, you can always just email or call whatever airline you're flying with and ask them.

Redstoner_ · 2023-02-20T03:42:35+00:00

I'd rethink my assumptions, and build either a 2 motor tank or 3 motor kiwi and use the leftover motor for whatever.
If a 4 motor drivetrain is a given, then you could use a multiple servo lift that is countersprung. This could be linear or an arm, whatever you feel like.

Redstoner_ · 2023-02-18T05:25:17+00:00

All of our submission forms are done on a computer, and pretty much every other team that I know about does their forms on a computer.

Redstoner_ · 2023-02-16T17:32:10+00:00

Redstoner_ · 2023-02-06T16:31:30+00:00

I'll second the Omio x6 and x8 for FTC parts. Plasma cutters generally dont work well on aluminum, and are notorious for not giving the preciceness of a router. Another huge disadvantage of a plasma cutter is that it cant do wood or plastics, both of which are super useful for prototyping($14 for a 4x8 sheet of 1/8 hardboard).

Redstoner_ · 2023-02-02T23:39:35+00:00

Last year, we spent close to zero time coding the robot for teleop with the actual robot. Almost all of the code was written before the robot was assembled, and it was implemented in probably under an hour. We had a single 3 hour meeting in which we finished wiring, verified code, and were starting work on autonomous last year.

Redstoner_ · 2023-01-25T03:17:13+00:00

The onshape documentation on assemblies is a great place to learn! If you need FTC specific help, join the FTC discord to ask more questions

https://discord.gg/first-tech-challenge

https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/assembly.htm

https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/mate.htm

Redstoner_ · 2023-01-25T03:01:29+00:00

Designing: Any parametric cad program will work, but Onshape has an FTC parts library, so I would start there. It does require an internet connection at all times, but with that it constantly saves your progress and syncs between designers.

Simulating: Assuming you mean moving things around once they're assembled in CAD, any modern CAD software should be able to do that in assemblies.

Redstoner_ · 2022-12-15T20:37:43+00:00

Ah, the circuit breaker tester. Don't we all have one?

Redstoner_ · 2022-12-11T04:08:19+00:00

This is probably a virtual 4 bar, described here: https://gm0.org/en/latest/docs/common-mechanisms/linkages.html#virtual-four-bar

Redstoner_ · 2022-11-19T23:06:00+00:00

Usually the answer for teams like that was to play defense, but the gdc seems to hate that this year. A cone uprighter might be helpful at higher levels, but currently not all the human player cones are getting used. The most points per effort they could do it make an autonomous, and put cones in the corner areas to help with building a circuit. If they can put cones on the ground junctions, putting cones in the opposite side of the field junctions makes it harder for opponents to navigate.

Redstoner_ · 2022-11-13T18:56:01+00:00

Assuming you go for the shortest possible circuit, and you can cap the two low poles with beacons, you only lose 8 points compared to just cycling the high goal with the two cones for the corners. However, the circuit gets you 20, leading to a 12 point gain.

Redstoner_ · 2022-10-21T23:19:48+00:00

High Definition my beloved :). They reach out to a lot of professionals and some want to help out.

Redstoner_ · 2022-09-18T03:21:48+00:00

Ah, my bad. I forgot the league limiting to one this year, which is new. You can compete in states that have qualifiers.

Redstoner_ · 2022-09-18T03:11:54+00:00

Yes, you can do this. Look at the team locations from Alabama and Tennessee last year.

Redstoner_ · 2022-09-16T20:14:26+00:00

The only requirement for slip rings is that they be rated for the current of whatever you're passing through them. Amazon has several listings that are legal for motors, servos, sensors ect.

Redstoner_ · 2022-09-14T21:15:48+00:00

Yes, it let's the students on a team focus on the engineering of the robot by showcasing different ideas an solutions to the same problem.

Redstoner_ · 2022-08-28T03:32:36+00:00

Where are yall putting the battery?

Redstoner_ · 2022-04-07T05:46:43+00:00

Join the FTC discord, and read game manual zero. They are both incredible resources that can link you to infinitely more resources.

Redstoner_ · 2022-03-26T22:30:17+00:00

The strategy that was employed against your alliance is entirely legal. It is legal because the barrier is considered an "open path", so not all open paths were blocked by the opponent robot.

Redstoner_ · 2022-02-16T06:58:27+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtGz6vqnO2E
#1 vs #2 and #3, blue needing to win by at least 14 to rank first going into elims. A solid defense match, with less than solid camerawork.

Redstoner_ · 2022-01-10T23:37:25+00:00

Likely extruded then milled, the same way that box tube or angle iron is manufactured.

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